Other LanguagesSeniors reportedly receive more telephone and mail solicitations than any other age group. Those with dementia can write check after check to charities without understanding how much they’re spending or how the money will be used.
Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna and Secretary of State Sam Reed are slinging their pistols – figuratively speaking -- at lawless “badge charities.” The state officials joined the Federal Trade Commission, state enforcement agencies and AARP Washington in announcing a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent charitable solicitors claiming to help police, firefighters and veterans. Read today’s news release for details.
“Operation False Charity is about sounding the siren on the phonies, cheapskates and outlaws,” McKenna said. “We’re policing those who claim to be raising money for cops, firefighters and veterans but aren’t being honest.
“Just because someone says they are raising money for veterans or police does not mean every dollar you give will go toward those deserving causes,” said Reed. “Some solicitors will return very little – or nothing at all – to the charity they claim to be representing. That’s why it’s so important to know who is taking your donations, and how that money will be spent.”
It’s important to check out charities before you give. And if you have a loved one with dementia or other cognitive disabilities, remove their name from mailing lists and telemarketing lists. Contact the Direct Marketing Association’s opt-out service at www.dmachoice.org. Register for the national Do Not Call list at www.donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222.